From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Proposed controls and instrument panel layout for the Japan 3 model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 105\1\ scan0119 | |
| Date | 6th February 1931 | |
| SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} FROM E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} SECRET X5250 E1/M6.2.31. C. TO WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} C. TO BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} JAPAN 3. CONTROLS. X.5240 X.5530 X.5770. Referring to your memo. SGLO/E4231., we examined the equipment of the Humber with interest and fully agree that our own chassis ought to be in every way complete, as we have always thought. We propose to arrive at a scheme for Japan 3. by agreement with Sales and Derby with a view to submitting same for R's approval and as a beginning EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} has drawn up N. sch. 3214. The following major points we suggest can be postulated: 1) All dash controls, instruments, and switches, to be grouped in the centre of the instrument board with the object of being as far as possible interchangeable for right and lefthand chassis. The only instrument that appears to require moving is the speedometer which might interchange with the clock. This arrangement leaves room for a locker on each side of the board. (2) Dipping or dimming to be controlled by a foot switch. We are of opinion that for a number of reasons this is definitely better than hand control. Moreover the steering column position will apparently be required for an easy change 3rd.gear switch. (3) Starter Motor operated by press button on the instrument board. (4) Red lamp now to be used to indicate when ignition switch is left on. (5) All dial faces and flanges to be circular. Regarding the question of operating the horn the button in the centre of the column is the most common position, but the ring under the steering wheel has much to recommend it from the driver's point of view. This latter position may be required however for direction indicator control. Regarding the petrol meter we know by experience that the Hobson telegauge works well with the single line connection and we are about to try it in this form on P. 2. So far we feel this would be preferable to an electrical gauge. Regarding bonnet ventilators there is no doubt that we ought to have these as standard on Japan 3. EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} is writing to you with regard to the question of aprons. One point we noticed on the Humber was the provision of an adjustable spring for regulating the radiator shutter thermostat. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||